1) If I perform unprotected oral sex on a male, how likely is it for them to get hsv1 on their genitals? How about if I perform it on a woman?
We don’t have transmission data for HSV 1 oral infection to the genitals of someone else.
2)If a male performs oral sex on me, how likely is it for them to get hsv2 from my hsv2 (if I have it)?
Unlikely. HSV 2 does not like the mouth.
Is this any different for a woman?
No
I know its low (and slightly higher for women?) but is there an exact number for both these questions
There is not.
3) I have listened to a few podcasts now about hsv2 and disclosure and there seems to be this general idea that having sex with someone who knows they have hsv2 is “safer” than having sex with someone who doesn’t, especially in the sex industry. What is your expert opinion on this?
I actually agree with this as the person who knows they have HSV 2 can do things to reduce transmission, like suppressive therapy and consistent condom use and symptom recognition
4) Do you have an expert opinion on disclosure? Should I tell past individuals that I had any kind of sex with about these results?
I don’t have a recommendation about HSV 2 as we don’t know if you have it yet – if you do, you need to disclose prior to sex
I would recommend disclosing your HSV 1 status prior to giving someone oral sex.
5) Can you give me an “explain it like I’m 5” summary of the western blot?
The blot looks for all 16 antibody proteins that are present with HSV 1 and 2 infections and four must be present to be called positive.. The IgG only looks for one protein.
Terri